Coalition Launches Manual and Training Program on NGO War Against Malnutrition

Did you guys know that the first 1,000 days of a child is an integral part of their development? I was surprised when I attended the Children's First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) launched last January 13, 2024, its operations manual and training program on how it will help in the government’s war against malnutrition. 

Attending this event really opened my eyes in how important nutrition is for a child. Though I did grew up privileged enough that my parents were able to teach us why a balanced meal is important and also knowing the alternatives to food options to give us freedom to switch it up anytime we want. Such is not really the case for most families then and even now - Which means that more than ever we need to be at arms to help each other to make sure the future of our nation would be able to have the proper tools for success. 

There is a law, RA 11148 entitled “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act”, that seeks to address malnutrition during children’s first one thousand days of life. The coalition includes among others, the Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles, Knights of the Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, and Crusade Against Violence.

A thousand leaders from these various non-governmental organizations will be attending the event. The coalition considers the operations manual and training program as a key development as it clearly illustrates how the NGOs and government can collaborate in stomping out malnutrition during the children’s one thousand days of life, a huge problem that causes poor school performance, low intelligence quotient, stunting, sicknesses, and low work productivity. The manual functions as a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the NGO's adoption of barangays aimed at addressing malnutrition, extending its scope to a national level with a vision for fostering a healthier future for Filipino children.

To demonstrate their support for the operations and training program, department secretaries Dr. Teodoro "Ted" J. Herbosa, DOH; Atty. Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos, Jr., DILG, will grace the event. Atty. Baldr H. Bringas, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will represent DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

Additionally, NGO Head Representatives, spearheaded by Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, a Board Member of World Vision Philippines, will lead in reciting the NGOs’ Declaration of Commitment.

The event will also feature the following speakers: Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, Executive Director of National Nutrition Council; Dr. Maria Isabel "Marcie" M. Atienza, MHPED, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of St. Luke's Medical Center, College of Medicine - WHQM; Dr. Amado R. Parawan, Health And Nutrition Advisor of Save The Children Philippines; Former Senator Joey Lina, National Project Chairman of Children's First One Thousand Days Coalition; Br. Erlito "Lito" R. Pardo of Brotherhood of Christian\Businessmen and Professionals - Las Pinas Chapter; Mr. Roberto A. Alvarez, President of RCMC Foundation; Atty. Salvador "Bingbong" Campo Medialdea, Former Executive Secretary; Engr. Ronaldo A. Aguila, Chief Technology Officer of ONELGC, Inc.; Mr. Cris Giovanni C. Chiong, President, Rotary Club Of Makati Central; Mr. Alberto D. Lina, Chairman of ONELEGC, Inc.; Mr. Ronald Delos Santos, National President of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles-Philippine Eagles, and Mr. Danilo "Danny" Sanchez, Past Council Chairman of MD301 Philippines and State Council Of Lions Governor. Atty. Mike T. Toledo, former Press Secretary, shall serve as the moderator.

“With our battle cry for a ‘brighter, stronger, taller’ Filipino children, let us unite to uplift the vulnerable and intensify nutrition efforts for a new generation of Filipinos”, says Atty. Joey Lina.

The milestone event promises to be a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders committed to ensuring the well-being of children during their critical first 1000 days of life.